The Book of Revelation“Ephesus: Your First Love” - Rev. About the 7 letters4 Levels of interpretation1. Local - these are actual churches with real needs2. Admonitory - “churches” all seven letters apply to all seven churches3. Homiletic - “he that has an ear…” it speaks to the individual4. Prophetic - in this particular order they lay out the entire history of the church from Acts through the tribulation.7 churches - He is speaking to the church as a whole.Ephesus: neglected priorities - Apostolic age - to 100Smyrna: satanic opposition - Age of persecution - 100-313Pergamos: religious compromise - Imperial Church - 313-590Thyatira: immoral practices - Age of Papacy - 590 TribulationSardis: spiritual apathy - Reformation - 1517 - TribulationPhiladelphia: lost opportunities - Missionary Church - 1730 - RaptureLaodicea: material prosperity - Apostolic Church - 1900 - TribulationEphesus - BackgroundEphesus - Maiden of Choice, darling1400 B.C. founded before the time of David.Center of trade and business. Seaport, and naval base. The capital of Asia Minor and the largest city.Possibly 500,000 population. 25,000 seat amphitheater.Pagan city with idolatry and immorality dominating its religious and social life. Location of the temple to Artemis ( Diana) - the goddess of sexuality and fertility. Study Acts 19-20 and the Book of EphesiansAddress to the Church Vs 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:” Angel - messenger.These are literal angels of the churches Heb. Description of Jesus: him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven lampstands.Stars - the angels of the churcheslampstands - the churchesRev. Praise for the church Vs 2-3 Every letter - “I know…” 1. Deeds2. Works3. Cannot tolerate wicked men4. Tried and tested false apostles5. Persevered6. Endured hardship7. Not grown weary8. Hate deeds of the Nicolaitans (nico - rule laity - the people)Acts 19-20 Paul’s prophetic warning against false teachers coming to EphesusCriticism for the church Vs 4“I have this against you: You have forsaken your first love.”Good works are commendable but Jesus wants our devotion, our passion, our love.First - protos - love of rank, best loveEspousal love. 20 times mentioned in the Book of EphesiansMartha and Mary.David and Solomon.Greatest commandment - love the Lord your God with all your heart. 1 Cor. 13 - love is the greatest.Exhortation for the church Vs 5-6How do we get back to our first love?1. Remember2. Repent Forsaking our first love is rarely a decision but a matter of drifting. Heb. Without repentance your ability to shine for Jesus is lost.“He who has an ear let him hear…” Vs 7“He who has an ear let him hear what the spirit says to the churches” - to all churches, to all individuals.Promise to the Overcomer Vs 7The promise in the first three letters comes after the letter. Post script.The last four letters the promise comes within the letter. PresentThe Overcomer - true believerA tale of two trees: 1. The tree of life2. The crossA tale of two gardens:1. Eden2. GethsemaneWe will one day eat of the fruit of the tree of life in the paradise of God.